Four reasons to get a massage

Summer’s nearly over and the busy back-to-school season is getting underway. Hopefully you had time to unwind and de-stress this summer. Remember that massage is one of the greatest ways to lessen stress and to recharge your mental and physical “batteries” in a hurry! Below is a quick article giving you four great reasons to make massage a regular part of your life. See you soon!

Any therapist who’s had the pleasure of watching a client’s health and vitality improve through regular massage sessions would love to have everyone understand the benefits available to them from bodywork. Here are a few key points that should help you appreciate how regular massage can help you have a healthier life:

• Massage helps to support your health — When you really take time to evaluate what’s important in your life, it’s a good bet you’ll place your health near the top of the list. After all, what will you be able to do without it? Let’s start with the fact that a full-body massage contributes to the proper function of your entire body.

In attempting to remain healthy, your body’s systems are performing functions constantly. The pressure and motion of the massage strokes assist in virtually all aspects of these functions. For instance, the nutrients that provide sustenance to the trillions of cells throughout your body — as well as the outgoing cellular waste — can be processed more efficiently with the aid of massage.

Having a clear understanding of this concept will help you to understand the three following massage benefits also.

• Massage reduces stress — This one fact should inspire everyone to get massage regularly. Imagine your life with less stress! Considering stress is responsible for most illness (not to mention those tense muscles), alleviating stress from your life can make a major difference in every aspect of your health and attitude.
• Massage addresses the source of the problems — One of the tenets of complementary healthcare is that, given the proper tools, your body will heal itself. Just think of how many of life’s complaints are caused by an imbalance in your body — and massage helps to restore that state of balance.

How do we know massage actually assists in this re-balancing act? Some of the functions measured during massage studies — changes in hormone levels, blood pressure, etc. — are regulated by your body. When these studies show an improvement in these functions, it offers measurable proof of the positive changes available through massage. Most would agree it’s preferable to employ natural means (like massage) to help your body correct these functions rather than drugs or surgery.

• A massage makes you feel better — It’s great to know more about how massage contributes to improved health. After all, we all want to be as healthy as possible. But there’s something special about taking an hour or so out of your busy life just to feel relaxed and rejuvenated. Anyone who remembers how they felt at the end of a good massage session will tell you it’s another great reason for making massage a regular part of your life.

Take time to decide what important steps you’ll make this year to improve your life and be sure to include massages as part of your plan!

Have you been feeling a little low on energy lately?  Before you reach for the coffee or some other pick-me-up, consider using herbs for a much-needed boost.  There are several different herbs that are great for increasing your energy and making you feel better in general.  Here are four of my favorites.

Ginseng – One of the Best Herbal Pick-Me-Ups

Ginseng is one of the best herbal pick-me-ups available.  There are several different types of ginseng; however, Siberian ginseng is probably your best bet.  This herb has been used for at least 2000 years to improve health, increase energy levels and also as a longevity tonic.  It also helps to increase a person’s resistance to stress, meaning that it works on both the physiological and psychological levels.

Schizandra – A Popular Chinese Herb for Fatigue

Schizandra is a Chinese herb that stimulates the central nervous system without any of the jittery effects that a person may get from caffeine.  It also provides a mental boost.  Schizandra also increases physical and mental exercise capacities as well as improving adaptability to environmental stresses.  This herb is commonly used for fatigue.

Mate – An Energising South American Herbal Tea

Pronounced “mah-tay”, mate is an herbal tea that is native to South America, and widely consumed by South American residents.  It is far more nutritious than either tea or coffee and, while it contains caffeine, mate tea’s effects are energizing rather than causing any jitters.  It is stimulating and wakes the mind.

Ashwagandha – An Ayurvedic Tonic Herb

Ashwagandha is also known as Withania and it is a rejuvenative tonic herb.  It is the most frequently prescribed tonic in Ayurvedic medicine.  It is able to increase energy and endurance, it promotes longevity, supports sexual vitality, calms the mind, enhances mental functioning, rejuvenates the body’s tissues, strengthens the immune system, improves sleep, and helps the body to overcome any imbalances that may have been caused by stress, poor diet, lack of sleep or environmental factors.

Do you find yourself standing over the urinal waiting for something to happen, but nothing does?

If you’ve ever had this problem, you’re not alone.
It’s one of the most common parts of aging I see in new male patients. Sixty percent of men over 60 have weak stream when urinating. That number shoots up to nearly 80% ten years later.
In fact, weak “pee power” is one of the oldest health issues in the world. We know from ancient scrolls that the Egyptians developed their own formulas for treating it as far back as 2000 BC.
The use of simple plant formulas to promote health goes back to the beginning of civilization. It’s called phytotherapy (“phyto” is the Greek word for plant).

The Journal of Urology published a major study on men that had age-related urinary tract issues. It looked at all the available data on plant extracts like Pygeum and Saw palmetto. They found that all of them can significantly increase your “stream power.”

Researchers in Japan got similar results in a group of men aged 49 and up . . . with a common mushroom. Pure extract boosted their flow in just 12 weeks.

So what makes plants so potent? Plants are your only source of essential nutrients called “phytosterols.” Your body uses them to maintain the health of your cell membranes.
They’re also potent antioxidants. They can reduce inflammation and improve blood flow. They help to maintain healthy tissue in your prostate and urinary tract.
Beta sitosterol is one of the most powerful. Certain traditional plants and herbs have high concentrations, including: Pumpkin seeds, Stinging nettle, Saw palmetto, African plum (Pygeum africanum), and Maca root.

In fact, beta sitosterol is commonly used overseas—with good reason. Years of clinical evidence point to its potency. The British Journal of Urology published results from a clinical trial of almost 200 men with weak flow. They took 130 mg of beta sitosterol for 6 months. The result? They got significant relief, naturally.

You can get beta sitosterol through diet. Here are a few foods rich in it: Avocados, Pistachios (raw), Almonds, Macadamia nuts and Lentils.

Of course, today’s food supply isn’t as good as it used to be. To ensure you get the full benefit, supplements are a better way to go.

I’ve just finished my own formula that promotes prostate health and urinary tract function. It’s packed with pure, high-quality extracts from all the traditional remedies I mentioned. It’s also rich in antioxidants and other natural compounds to keep your flow strong.
It’s called ProstaCare. Give it a try today.

References:
Homma et al. “Urinary symptoms and urodynamics in a normal elderly population.” Scandinavian Journal of Urology and Nephrology [Supplement]. 1994. 157:27-30. PMID 7939451
Shokeir & Hussein. “The Urology of Pharaonic Egypt.” BJU International. 2001. 84(7):755-761.
Dedhia RC, McVary KT. “Phytotherapy for lower urinary tract symptoms ….” Journal of Urology. 2008. 179(6):2119-25.
“Randomized clinical trial of an ethanol extract of Ganoderma lucidum in men with lower urinary tract symptoms.” Asian Journal of Andrology. 2008. 10(5):777-85.
Klippel et al. “A multicentric, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial of beta-sitosterol (phytosterol) … British Journal of Urology. 1997. 80(3):427-32.

Women often develop a myriad of health issues linked to hormone imbalance. Although a majority of these are believed to start in midlife with the onset of menopause, in fact, a dysfunctional pattern can begin during adolescent years or even at a younger age. The severity of hormonal problems tends to increase with age, but this is not simply due to the accumulation of years. In fact, the cumulative effects of a variety of stresses can cause a disruption of the natural rhythms and balancing mechanisms of women’s hormones, which could be responsible for compromising overall health and wellness. Many women experience dysfunctions such as PMS, depression, decreased libido, fibrocystic breasts, food and sugar cravings, uterine fibroids, irregular or excessive uterine bleeding and endometriosis, infertility and more.

Fluctuating oestrogen and progesterone levels are commonplace as women age, but during menopause the side effects of these fluctuations – hot flushes, mood swings, decreased libido and memory impairment, to name a few, can be particularly difficult to deal with. The common use in conventional medicine of HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) was once believed to be a panacea that would solve many of these problems. However, there have been disappointing scientific findings concerning the safety and efficacy of hormone replacement therapy. (JAMA, March 2001). The climbing cancer rates are alarming. Also, hormone therapy does not grant the heart the protective effect that was previously promised in earlier studies. In fact, it looks as if heart deaths have increased as well as cancer rates in women who have been using HRT. While women are loosing faith in HRT as the answer, menopausal women still have an interest in maintaining a normal sexual function. Women are becoming more and more interested in finding natural means to bolster or balance hormone levels other than drug based hormone replacement therapy.

Herbs can play a significant part of an overall wellness program that can be instituted towards this end. Herbs that are well known to be beneficial for women’s health include:

Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) is specifically used for its beneficial effects on menopausal symptoms. The isoflavones in Black Cohosh have been shown to bind to oestrogen receptor sites and lower lutenizing hormones, which are linked to hot flushes. Black Cohosh can also help with PMS.

Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis) has been used in Chinese Medicine for thousands of years to help normalize menstrual irregularities. It is also used for anaemia and as a systemic strengthener, helping to ‘build the blood’. Dong Quai may increase bleeding, so don’t use it during pregnancy or if heavy periods are a problem.

Chastetree Berry (Agnus castus, Vitex) is one of the most helpful herbs for normalizing symptoms of hot flushes, fluid retention and mild depression.

Wild Yam (Dioscorea spp.) is a traditional root food used by women around the world to help promote women’s health, including fertility issues, late periods and menopausal symptoms.

Red Raspberry (Rubus idaeus) has been dubbed ” The Vine of Female Vitality”. The leaf of the vine is the part that is most often used as herbal medicine. The medical journal Lancet published a study as far back as 1941 describing the normalizing effect that Red Raspberry leaf extract had on the uterus. It can help tone the ligaments of the uterus to ease childbirth, reduce haemorrhage after birth and enrich colostrum, the immune-stimulating first milk of nursing mothers.

At Navan Natural Health & Spa Centre, we have all of these herbs available in a liquid extract, which makes it easy to blend together for combination formulas. When treating female health problems, I design an individual tonic for each woman based on her own unique needs and symptom picture. What works for one woman may not be suitable for another. In general, I formulate a blend of the most appropriate herbal remedies and nutritional supplements, to meet the individual needs of each of my female clients. Such formulations can effectively smooth away the pain and discomfort a woman experiences during the changing phases of her life…

A sensible approach to safe slimming

Somewhere between the silly season and the beginning of summer, your bikini may appear to have shrunk a size or two and that could mean it’s time to try a new approach to your weight management strategy.
If you’ve tried to lose weight in the past and ended up losing nothing more than your patience, you’re not alone. Fad diets will come and go, but if you’re really serious about reaching your goal weight, then you’ll know that they are only temporary solutions, which offer limited success. The best way to reach a healthy, sustainable weight is to improve your diet and make some lifestyle changes.

A – Gain and Again
There are many factors, which influence weight gain, but lifestyle changes are by far the most influential. Rather than making radical changes to your diet and cutting down your food intake too suddenly, it’s best to make small changes that you’ll be able to stick to. Some small changes such as partially altering your meals to include healthier alternatives would be a good place to start. So, instead of chips, opt for salad and next time you’re tempted by a milkshake, why not try a fruit smoothie. Reducing the size of your meals will also help and snacking in between meals should be avoided. Resist the urge to skip meals altogether; if you don’t want to consume three large meals a day, have five or six smaller ones throughout the day.
There are a few important guidelines that you should take note of, to ensure you’re getting a balanced, healthy diet.
• Reduce your intake of sugar and refined carbohydrates such as sucrose, table sugar and honey and foods, which contain these substances such as cakes, biscuits, fizzy drinks and confectionery.
• Include more fruit and vegetables in your diet. They are important sources of fibre, vitamins and minerals.
• Eat moderate amounts of meat, poultry, fish, beans, eggs and nuts, as these are excellent sources of protein.
• Eat less fat and oil, but don’t cut them out altogether. The body needs fats, particularly unsaturated fats like those found in cold-water fish, olive oil and avocados.
• Drink plenty of water. Between eight and ten glasses a day will help to eliminate waste.
• If your willpower is lagging, then natural herbs like Gymnema and Brindle berry may help curb your appetite. Commonly used in Indian cooking, Gymnema can help to decrease sugar cravings by reducing the body’s taste for sweet foods while Brindle berry can create a feeling of fullness.
• Fluctuating blood sugar levels can hamper weight loss. Increasing your intake of the mineral chromium can help in regulating blood sugar levels

Remember, to lose weight, your calorie intake must be less than the calories you burn during the day. If you’re taking in more energy than you’re using, you will not lose weight.

Get Physical
Rather than trying to do too much too soon, you should start an exercise programme with small amounts of exercise initially, for example 20 to 30 minutes of exercise per day, perhaps even broken up into two or three sessions. It can take weeks or months to build up fitness levels so don’t be discouraged if you don’t see immediate results.
There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to exercise – some people enjoy working out in a group while others may prefer to go it alone.
Remember to take every opportunity to move and be active, and you’ll find that even the smallest actions like parking on the far side of the supermarket car park and taking the stairs instead of the lift or escalators will make a difference to your general well-being.

Herbal Medicine
For weight-loss programmes, I usually break herbs into two groups. The first group is taken to correct a condition that contributes to weight gain. For example, herbs that reduce absorption of fats and creating a feeling of fullness; herbs that work on digestion, liver function, and to correct a sluggish thyroid gland. The second group of herbs is given to directly promote weight loss.

The answers to weight gain and weight loss though, are not always simple and easy. An holistic approach to treating obesity must include detoxification, stimulating thermogenesis (fat burning), and correcting any underlying condition affecting one’s weight such as insulin imbalance or hypothyroidism.

We are constantly under some form of stress in our lives and generally we cope very well. However, many situations increase stress to a level, which can cause troublesome physical and emotional effects. The complaints that arise from too much stress vary widely.

More common problems include:

• Tiredness
• Muscle pain
• Anxiety
• Sleep disturbance
• Poor concentration
• Irritability
• Headaches

When stress levels build, stress related illnesses start to appear. These include:

• Depression
• Drug abuse (including drinking problems)
• Irritable digestive system
• Peptic ulcers
• Headaches
• Impotence
• Heart disease
• Cancer
• Asthma

Many types of stress can lead to ill health. Examples are the death of a spouse or a close family member, divorce or marital separation, personal injury, conflict in the workplace, pregnancy, sex difficulties, and retirement. This list reflects only a portion of stressful everyday situations. We all know how hard it is to deal with these problems and that some people may need help to control stress levels.

Talking with someone may help you find a solution to your problem and can often help you cope better. Most health practitioners have had counselling training and can help you to ‘get it off your chest’.

Relaxation

Relaxation in any form is vital for the stressed or uptight person. Meditation, reading, listening to relaxation tapes, getting regular massages or starting a new hobby may be relaxing. Regular exercise, a sensible diet, avoiding smoking and other drugs will all help to control stress levels.

Nutritional and Herbal Support

Your body works differently when you’re under stress. That’s why we’re more prone to suffer from muscular tension and spasm, poor digestion and increased blood pressure as a result of stress. Stress reduces the body’s ability to absorb calcium, vitamin C and chromium from the diet, and causes the body to excrete more magnesium and potassium. Because magnesium and potassium are important for the proper regulation of muscular tension, their depletion helps explain why stress can cause cramps and spasms. These are just some examples of the physical impact of stress; there are many more. Nutrients known to help manage stress include a combination of vitamins B5, B6 and C, together with magnesium and bioflavonoids, will help to improve natural stress coping mechanisms.

Muscle relaxant nutrients and herbs which may help, include Passion flower which is indigenous to South America and is now widely cultivated in Europe for its sedative and antispasmodic properties. It is employed against sleeplessness and seems to have a profound effect against nerve pain. Valerian root has also been used widely in folk medicine as a sedative. A 1982 study of 128 patients indicated that Valerian root significantly improves sleep quality.

The combination of these relaxing herbs with the nutrients magnesium and calcium provides a very effective muscle relaxing formula, which is also useful for stress and insomnia. You can bolster your body against stress not just by replacing those depleted nutrients, but also by boosting your supply of others. Your Naturopath, being trained in the field of Nutrition will best know what nutrients you may require.

   Beat Colds & Flu

 Today, health officials and the general public alike are expressing concern about the future health of the human race. The emergence of so many debilitating and life threatening infectious conditions indicates an infection epidemic. Many doctors now agree with Nobel Prize winning bacteriologist Joshua Lederberg, who stated that viral infection is the biggest single threat to human survival!

Compounding this concern is the discovery that bacterial infections, once readily controlled with antibiotics, are becoming more antibiotic resistant and pose a serious threat to the health of all.

Microscopic wars against infection rage constantly within your body. The multitudes of attackers are tiny, but lethal. Some, like the AIDS virus, are so small that 230 million could fit on the full stop at the end of this sentence.

Ideally, your immune system will automatically provide adequate defence, through a wonderful network of organs and specialised cells. Sometimes, however, your defence is weakened, and you develop a cold or flu, or an even more serious infection.

At Navan Natural Therapy Clinic, we believe ‘prevention is the best medicine’. We prefer to promote optimal support of the body’s amazing infection fighting ability now, and reduce our dependence on antibiotics later.

 Factors that contribute to the weakening of your immune system.

• Physiological, psychological and emotional stress
• Poor physical and aerobic conditioning
• Lack of sleep, rest and relaxation
• Poor diet

While all of these factors need to be addressed, we will focus on nourishment.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is perhaps the most common nutrient associated with immunity and studies have shown it to have some very powerful effects. Research indicates that vitamin C increases the activity of specific infection fighting white blood cells. It has also been observed that white blood cell movement, and their bacteria destroying abilities, are stimulated by the presence of vitamin C. At my clinic I can actually observe the level of activity (or lack thereof) of a client’s white blood cells via a ‘Live Blood Analysis’ examination, and thereby get a good indication of their immune status.

Zinc

Zinc may be the most critical nutrient for immunity. Low levels of zinc have been associated with low levels of ‘natural killer’ cell activity, abnormally low antibody response and weaker immune response. At the clinic, I can test your zinc levels with a simple test called the Zinc Taste Test.

Echinacea and Golden Seal

Echinacea purpurea and golden seal (Hydrastis canadensis), combined with other herbs, have been clinical shown to be of benefit in opportunistic bacterial infections. These herbs enhance the body’s defence mechanism by stimulating white blood cell and macrophage activity. Macrophages are like little ‘Pac Men’ that roam around the body, engulfing and destroying bacterial and viral organisms.

For a Healthy Immune System:

• Eat a balanced diet high in fibre and complex carbohydrates, low in fat, with moderate amounts of protein. Eat fresh, wholesome, unprocessed foods.
• De-stress! Enjoy plenty of rest and relaxation.
• Exercise regularly.
• Increase water intake to 6 to 8 glasses per day, preferably half an hour before or after meals.
• Supplement the diet with recommended nutrients.

And don’t forget to visit a Natural Healthcare Professional knowledgeable in the causes of illness and in how to prime your body with the right combination of nutrients and herbs, so as to activate your immune system and keep you healthy throughout the year.

So get your immune system functioning well again and you will be amazed at how healthy and full of vitality you feel.

Why would you want to seek help from a Naturopath or Herbalist for hay fever when you can easily take an over the counter anti-histamine from the pharmacy that knocks out symptoms fast? Because a Natural therapist can help treat symptoms of hay fever such as itchy watery eyes, runny nose or sinus pain and tickly coughs, but also works with you to determine the underlying reasons why the reaction is there, and they will also help strengthen the mucous membranes (lining of the nose and eyes and lungs that overreact to environmental triggers) to reduce the reaction so that next year the allergy season is no longer a problem.

Herbs such as Albizzia are antihistamine but don’t cause drowsiness and over the long-term help strengthen the body’s own defences against allergies. A very popular herb among herbalists is liquorice, which is soothing to irritated membranes and helps with coughs that people may experience during allergy season. Golden seal is used to strengthen digestion and treat any infections that may accompany hay fever and cause deep sinus pain.

Strengthening digestion may seem way off the mark when treating symptoms in the nose and lungs, but poor digestion causes general inflammation and immune dysfunction and leads to allergies in those susceptible. Every person is unique so even when the symptoms are similar the underlying reason may vary between person to person and it is important to do some detective work to find these underlying causes to effectively treat allergies and not just treat the symptoms.

FINDING PROBLEM FOODS

Most people love their food, and it’s hard to imagine that the body can react to foods in a negative way – but it can. In some people, food can give unpleasant symptoms, ranging from food sensitivity (coffee can make you flushed), through to violent reactions (melon can make your lips swell up, or peanuts can make your wind-pipe close). True food allergy is likely to occur with foods such as eggs, peanuts, soya, shellfish, and melon, to name but a few.

Food intolerance is something different and is commonly seen with wheat and dairy foods, milk sugar (lactose), and even with specific plant groups such as the onion family. It takes a skilled practitioner to work out your degree of tolerance. For example, rather than cutting out wheat altogether, you might be okay on half a slice of bread a day, but three slices might give you diarrhoea.

It’s helpful to start a diary of what you’re eating and any symptoms that you notice. This will help a practitioner decide what type of diet you need to follow. And don’t worry; there are hundreds of special products and all manner of treats these days to help keep your diet as “normal” as possible.

Every ten minutes someone dies prematurely from cardiovascular disease. It is the most common cause of death in Ireland. If your heart stops so do you. This amazing organ is tireless, pumping life-giving blood around your body 24 hours a day. No wonder it’s so vital to your health!

The most common cause of early death through heart disease is the build-up of fatty deposits along artery walls, otherwise known as arterioscleroses. When the arteries are constricted through blockages such as these, normal blood flow can be reduced and blood pressure can increase.

You may find that by supplementing with vitamin E, you can reduce your risk of heart attack quite significantly. Several studies have confirmed the benefits of vitamin E, with one of the most famous being the CHAOS study reported in The Lancet Medical Journal in March 1996.

The Omega 3 fatty acid, EPA, which is found in fish oil, is also thought to have a protective benefit to heart health as it helps to lower cholesterol and keep it at a healthy level. EPA also decreases blood clotting and reduces blood viscosity. Most health professionals recommend eating at least three fish dishes a week, however these need to be cold water fish such as salmon or mackerel. Fish oil supplements concentrated in EPA may be more convenient for some and provide the same protective benefits as fresh fish.

You can also take positive action against heart disease by avoiding smoking and drinking less alcohol and coffee. Continued stress is also a high risk factor. An added essential measure is to exercise regularly and ensure your diet is low in saturated fats, and high in fibre, fresh fruits and vegetables.

ArticlesArticlesA NEW METHOD OF OBSERVING BLOOD CLOTTING ACTIVITY
At my clinic in Navan, I use a diagnostic technique to view patients’ live blood cells as well as clotting activity through the use of a “darkfield” microscope, which illuminates the sample with specially angled halogen light. Ninety percent of heart attacks are caused by blood clots at the site of an atherosclerotic lesion, and 90% of strokes are caused by platelet aggregation (blood clotting). Depending on the degree of blood clotting that I observe, I can recommend a regime of dietary changes, specially formulated herbal tonics and nutritional supplements to correct these problems. This approach greatly reduces your risk of developing heart disease, and it will also benefit those already suffering from heart disease. And remember, a healthy heart means a long life and better living.